Spring
A beautiful time to visit as flowers bloom and temperatures rise.
Travel guide
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France, a country known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers travelers a plethora of experiences beyond its capital, Paris. From the lavender fields of Provence to the stunning coastlines of the French Riviera, each region boasts unique attractions and culinary delights.
Sainte-Enimie-Gorges_du_Tarn-Frankreich.jpg : Tobi 87 derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 3.0- Best MonthsApril to June, September to October
- AirportsCharles de Gaulle, Orly, Nice Côte d'Azur
- TransitExtensive train and metro systems
- Power230V, Type C and E plugs
- TippingService included, small change appreciated
- LanguageFrench
01
When to go
The best time to visit France is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are smaller.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
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Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
Summer
Warm weather attracts many tourists, especially to coastal areas.
Fall
A lovely season with colorful foliage and harvest festivals.
02
Where to stay
Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.
Historic
Le Marais
A historic district in Paris known for its charming streets, boutiques, and art galleries.
Can be crowded during weekends.
Scenic
Provence
Famous for its lavender fields, vineyards, and picturesque villages.
Best visited in summer for the full bloom.
Coastal
Nice
Located on the French Riviera, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant promenade.
Can be expensive during peak season.
Culinary
Lyon
Renowned for its gastronomy and historical architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Great for food lovers.
Wine
Bordeaux
Famous for its wine production and beautiful 18th-century architecture.
Best explored by bike.
Cultural
Strasbourg
A blend of French and German culture, known for its stunning cathedral and charming old town.
Visit during Christmas for a magical experience.
Historic
Mont Saint-Michel
An iconic island commune with a stunning abbey, best visited at low tide.
Can be very crowded in summer.
Adventure
Chamonix
A popular destination for skiing and mountaineering, located at the foot of Mont Blanc.
Best for winter sports enthusiasts.
03
What to eat
Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.
Baguette
A staple of French cuisine, best enjoyed fresh from local bakeries.
→ Try it with cheese or pâté.
Ratatouille
A vegetable dish from Provence, often found in local bistros.
→ Perfect in summer with fresh produce.
Coq au Vin
A classic French dish of chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, and lardons.
→ Best enjoyed in a traditional brasserie.
Crepes
Thin pancakes that can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients, available throughout the country.
→ Look for street vendors for a quick bite.
Bouillabaisse
A traditional fish stew from Marseille, best sampled at seaside restaurants.
→ Enjoy with a side of rouille sauce.
Tarte Tatin
An upside-down caramelized apple tart, a delightful dessert found in many patisseries.
→ Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
04
What to see
An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.
Eiffel Tower
The iconic symbol of Paris, offering stunning views of the city.
Louvre Museum
Home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa.
Palace of Versailles
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its opulent architecture and gardens.
Mont Saint-Michel
A breathtaking island commune with a medieval abbey.
The French Riviera
Famous for its glamorous beaches and luxury resorts.
Château de Chambord
A stunning example of Renaissance architecture in the Loire Valley.
Gorges du Verdon
A spectacular river canyon, perfect for hiking and kayaking.
Sainte-Chapelle
Known for its stunning stained glass windows, located in Paris.
Pont du Gard
An ancient Roman aqueduct and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Dune of Pilat
The tallest sand dune in Europe, located near Arcachon.
Alsace Wine Route
A scenic route through vineyards and charming villages.
The Palace of Fontainebleau
A former royal residence with beautiful gardens and architecture.
05
Getting around
Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.
Air Travel
France is served by several international airports, including Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), and Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE).
CDGCharles de Gaulle
ORYOrly
NCENice Côte d'Azur
Train Travel
The TGV high-speed trains connect major cities, making train travel a convenient option.
Public Transport
Cities like Paris have extensive metro and bus systems for easy navigation.
Car Rentals
Renting a car can be a great way to explore rural areas and regions like Provence.
06
Practical notes
Plugs
France uses Type C and E plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V.
Cash
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases.
Tipping
Service is included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
Language
French is the official language. Knowing basic phrases can enhance your experience.
Data
Free Wi-Fi is common in cafes and public spaces, but consider a local SIM for data.
Trip Duration
A week is ideal to explore several regions, but longer stays allow for deeper exploration.